Editorial Note: This article was rewritten using Artificial Intelligence (AI) based on original, verified sources. The accompanying images were upscaled with the assistance of AI. Any resemblance of figures in the images to real persons is entirely coincidental. Brands and logos depicted are the property of their respective owners and do not imply official endorsement or affiliation.
Mexico City, October 9 – The capital of Mexico has embarked on the concluding stage of its extensive reforestation initiative, aiming to plant a total of one million trees across the city by the year 2030. This strategic effort focuses on selecting native species that will not damage urban infrastructure.
Historic Center to be Transformed with 1,000 New Trees
Julia Álvarez Icaza Ramírez, Secretary of Environment for Mexico City, highlighted that the Historic Center is a key focus of this project. Upon completion, the area will boast an additional 1,000 trees, each standing between 3 and 4 meters in height. “In the Historic Center, it is calculated that at the end of the reforestation, there will be one thousand new trees, and I want to say that these are trees between 3 and 4 meters, that is, tall trees, which helps their survival,” stated Icaza Ramírez.
She further elaborated on the expected transformation: “The urban image of the center of our capital will be transformed, and flowers will be appreciated, with more greenery and more water infiltration points.”
A Call for Public Participation and Native Species Focus
Icaza Ramírez issued a public appeal for collective participation in the “One Million Trees for the City” program. A crucial aspect of this strategy is the deliberate choice of tree species. The initiative will prioritize native trees, moving away from exotic varieties that have historically caused problems such as pests or damage to sidewalks and plumbing.
“We no longer want exotic trees that can bring us pest problems; on the contrary, we want to reforest with ‘flor de mayo’ trees, with ‘huizaches’, with ash trees. We want to reforest with trees that do not break sidewalks, do not generate problems with plumbing, and adapt to the conditions of Mexico City,” she emphasized.
Private Sector Support and Urban Green Spaces Analysis
The reforestation strategy has garnered support from the private sector, with companies such as Ocesa and Bimbo contributing to the effort.
An analysis of green spaces within Mexico City revealed significant disparities. Lomas de Chapultepec, located in the Miguel Hidalgo borough, boasts 31 percent vegetation coverage. In stark contrast, Predio Degollado in the Iztapalapa borough has less than 1 percent vegetation.
The Secretary of Environment, alongside other officials, personally participated in planting trees on José María Pino Suárez Street in the city’s main square, symbolically launching this final phase of the project.
Reforestation Efforts to Combat Climate Change and Improve Quality of Life
This ambitious reforestation plan is part of Mexico City’s broader commitment to environmental sustainability and improving the quality of life for its residents. Increasing green areas is vital for combating the urban heat island effect, enhancing air quality, and promoting biodiversity within the bustling metropolis. The selection of native species is crucial for ensuring the long-term success of the project, as these trees are naturally adapted to the local climate and ecosystem, requiring less maintenance and being more resistant to local pests and diseases.
The initiative also aims to create more permeable surfaces, allowing for better water infiltration and helping to mitigate the risks of flooding during the rainy season. By planting a million trees, Mexico City is taking a significant step towards becoming a greener, more resilient city for future generations.
Source: https://enfoquenoticias.com.mx/noticias/cdmx-busca-sembrar-un-millon-de-arboles-para-2030
